accident

[ak-si-duhnt]

noun

1. an undesirable or unfortunate happening that occurs unintentionally and usually results in harm, injury, damage, or loss; casualty; mishap.

   automobile accidents.

   Synonyms: disaster, contingency, misadventure, misfortune, mischance

2. Law.,  such a happening resulting in injury that is in no way the fault of the injured person for which compensation or indemnity is legally sought.

3. any event that happens unexpectedly, without a deliberate plan or cause.

4. chance; fortune; luck.

   I was there by accident.

   Antonyms: intent, design

5. a fortuitous circumstance, quality, or characteristic.

   an accident of birth.

6. Philosophy.,  any entity or event contingent upon the existence of something else.

7. Geology.,  a surface irregularity, usually on a small scale, the reason for which is not apparent.

accident

/ ˈæksɪdənt /

noun

1. an unforeseen event or one without an apparent cause

2. anything that occurs unintentionally or by chance; chance; fortune

   I met him by accident

3. a misfortune or mishap, esp one causing injury or death

4. Also called: adjunct. logic philosophy a nonessential attribute or characteristic of something (as opposed to substance)

5. metaphysics a property as contrasted with the substance in which it inheres

6. geology a surface irregularity in a natural formation, esp in a rock formation or a river system

Other Word Forms

• postaccident adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of accident¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin accident-, stem of accidēns “happening,” present participle of accidere “to befall, happen,” from ac- ac- + -cidere, combining form of cadere “to fall”

Word History and Origins

Origin of accident¹

C14: via Old French from Latin accident- chance, happening, from the present participle of accidere to befall, happen, from ad- to + cadere to fall

Example Sentences

We ranked the 25 best and worst freeways in Southern California, based on traffic, accidents and much more.

From Los Angeles Times

At the Bowl, Oldham came onstage in a wheelchair, which prompted Nelson to explain that the 82-year-old had cracked his pelvis in a “freak basketball accident” the other day.

From Los Angeles Times

Although two investigations - one carried out by Germany's aviation accidents agency and another by a Malawi government-appointed commission - did not find evidence of foul play, some Malawians remain suspicious of the authorities.

From BBC

In Europe there is widespread concern that such drone incursions are no accident, but a Russian strategy to test the unity and resolve of European leaders and of the Nato alliance.

From BBC

In 2014, Surrey Trading Standards tested a fabric seat which fell to pieces in a 30 mph accident.

From BBC

Related Words

• calamity 
• casualty 
• disaster 
• hazard 
• mishap 
• pileup 
• setback